Tens of Thousands Demand Housing Reform in Spain
In a country where rents have climbed by 8.5% and a shortage of 700,000 homes is estimated, Spain’s streets lit up on Saturday. Roughly 50 marches, drawing between 70,000 (official) and 500,000 (Union estimate) participants, rattled Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and other regional capitals.
The Spark – An 87‑Year‑Old Eviction
The protests were triggered by last month’s eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal. The incident ignited a nationwide outcry demanding lower rents, an end to evictions and the banning of investment funds – dubbed "vulture funds" – from buying residential property.
Government’s Failed Legislation
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s coalition drafted two decrees: the first would suspend evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extend leases and hike taxes on tourist apartments; the second would auto‑renew rental contracts. Both were rejected in Congress, 178 – 172 for the first and 184 – 166 for the second. The ruling party relied on votes from nationalist Catalan and Basque parties, but even those withdrew support.
Clashes and Police Response
In Valencia protesters stormed the registration area at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, where a real‑estate summit was in progress. Devices were thrown, barriers removed and police fired rubber bullets. RTVE reported nine officers injured and five arrests.
Voices of Protesters
- "There won’t be peace for rentism" shouts in Madrid where a banner fluttered above Puerta del Sol.
- "I study to have a future, not to have a tiny apartment" read another sign.
- "We have the keys of all the city" echoing from a crowd holding their house keys high.
- A 26‑year‑old librarian told AFP that a one‑bedroom flat now costs 1,000 euros while a two‑bedroom shared flat used to cost 900.
Potential Political Fallout
With his coalition’s military defeat, speculation has jumped that Sánchez might call an early general election. The Spanish Parliament is not due to convene until next summer, raising pressure on his left‑wing alliance to advance housing reform or face a national strike.
Economic Context
House prices rose 12.2% in the past year. Rent in Madrid increased by 9.7%, with Barcelona close behind. Madrid’s average rent per square metre is €23.80 and Barcelona €22.70. These figures illustrate the scale of the crisis, prompting calls for urgent governmental intervention.
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